Huck Roth Garage in Sainte Genevieve, MO

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Tips & Advice

What are the signs that a radiator may need to be repaired or replaced?

There are several sign that your radiator needs repair or replacement. First and most obvious, is steam emitting from your radiator from overheating. A leak in the radiator may cause an unusual smell that is noticeable while driving as leaking radiator fluid lands on hot exhaust manifolds and steams. Puddles under a parked car are another sign. Your heater not working is often a good sign because, and most people do not know this, heat from the heater is drawn from the radiator. If the fluid is low or empty, the heater will not work. Keep an eye on your temperature gauge if you have one. Know what your normal operating temperature is. Steam, chemical smells, heater malfunction and puddles are strong indicators.

Does a car radiator need to be removed to be repaired?

A radiator does not always need to be removed to be repaired. For instance, small pinholes in the radiator can often be effectively repaired by pouring an over-the-counter sealant into the radiator. As the sealant circulates, it finds the hole and plugs the leak. This is a very common fix. Hoses and clamps do not require radiator removal. Larger fixes and radiator replacement are a different situation and, obviously, will require removal.

How long will a repaired radiator last?

Depending on the severity of the damage, the availability of parts, and the competency of the mechanic, radiator repair is easily done in a day. If parts need to be ordered, that can delay the process. A radiator repair should not take more than two days.

Are car radiators repairable?

Depending on the severity of the damage, most radiators are repairable. Small holes, broken hoses and clamps, cores, and thermostats, etc., are all easily repairable or replaceable by a competent mechanic. Severe corrosion is not fixable, so stay on top of changing the fluid and consult your owner’s manual or service technician for guidance. A collision-damaged or severely blown radiator is probably not fixable and will likely need replacement.

What are the different types of radiators?

There are three basic types of radiators; brass and copper, plastic, and aluminum. Brass and copper radiators are the sturdiest and most efficient at cooling, but are heavier and more expensive than their counterparts. Aluminum radiators are much cheaper to produce and weigh up to 1/3 of the standard brass and copper radiators. Plastic radiators are cost efficient from a manufacturing standpoint, excel at efficient heat removal and are very light weight which increased fuel efficiency. All three are good options.

How does a radiator work?

How radiator works is very simple. Water (engine coolant) circulates through the engine block to cool it. When the water reaches a certain temperature, a thermostat opens a valve and the water in the engine block moves into the radiator where it is cooled, and the cooled water in the radiator transfers to the block to cool the engine block. The cycle repeats over and over.

How much does it cost to repair a radiator?

Depending on the issue, some radiator repairs can be inexpensive, especially if you can do them yourself. For some leaks, you can buy over-the-counter sealants and add them yourself. Hose replacement, for example, can usually be done for under $75 (the cost of the parts) if you can do it yourself. Higher repair cost factors include the make and model car and the shop you take it to. Newer cars with complicated engine compartments and dealership service centers drive prices up.

What types of radiator damage can be repaired?

Depending on the severity of the damage, most radiator problems are fixable. Small leaks or holes in the radiator can be easily plugged while larger ones require more attention. Broken hoses, clamps and faulty thermostats are easily fixed and replaced and are the materials are not costly (labor is a separate issue). Internal corrosion is the most destructive force to a radiator and can be fixable is caught early enough. Preventative maintenance such inspection and frequent fluid replacement greatly reduces this risk.

How long does it take to repair a radiator?

The length of time it takes to repair a radiator depends on the damage and the skill of the mechanic. With the right tools and skill, a radiator can be removed and replaced in just a couple of hours. However, complete replacement is not always the best solution, especially if money is an issue. For minor holes, a simple plug can take less time if the radiator does not need to be removed. Major holes may require removal to fix it. Most shops can repair it in one day, unless ordering parts is necessary. That can always delay the process.

What is a radiator?

A radiator is the primary cooling device for most internal combustion engines in cars, trucks, and some light aircraft. Air is drawn by a fan through the radiator. That air passes over the fluid in the radiator through a bank of thin tubes and cools it. The cooled fluid is returned back into the engine block. Most systems are controlled by a basic thermostat and valve working in concert. When the engine coolant reaches the designated temperature, it triggers a valve to open, sending the cooler fluid from the radiator into the block, and the hotter fluid from the block into the radiator.

I have taken my vehicle to this place for repairs for the last couple of years and have always had courteous and professional service each and every time. Needed Repairs were made at reasonable cost and within a reasonable amount f time. I would ahd HAVE recommended them to people I know.

They Are Great. Mr and Mrs Braun were very professional. Mr Braun not only took care of what I came in for, at no extra charge, he found out what was causing another problem I asked about and took care of it . Their prices are very comparable. I would recomend them to anyone.

Did You Know?

Finding An Auto Repair Professional

There are more than 700,000 auto service technicians and mechanics in the U.S. Finding the right one to repair a dent in your car door or fix an engine that won't start can be overwhelming, especially when it's an emergency. Review a few important facts about auto repair professionals and what you can do to get the best possible mechanic working on your vehicle's issues for a fair price.

Looking For Reliability
Unlike home repair services that evaluate a property, meet with homeowners and have time to prepare before their physical work begins, auto repair businesses are often asked to make fixes on the spot. If you come into a garage with a tire issue, the expectation is the mechanic will know how to correct that problem quickly.

That is why reliability is so vital when searching for a trusted auto repair shop. It may take going to several different mechanics before you find one you are truly comfortable with. Pose questions to this professional to find out what approach they will take to repair your car or what alternatives are available. Shopping around also gives you the best opportunity to find the cheapest rate or the fastest service, as some garages may be backed up with other vehicles that need repair first.

A recommended way to locate a trustworthy auto repair professional is to seek out customer reviews. Online sites offer honest opinions from real customers who have used a business. Read through this feedback to learn how a business operates and what you can expect if you were to take your vehicle there. Look for reviews about how quick maintenance was completed and if prices were fair. By learning what other people have said about a garage, you can gain a better idea if it's the right place to go when you have a car problem in need of fixing.

Understanding When There's An Issue

It can be difficult to know which automotive problems are serious enough to require expert assistance. A ripped seat cushion or broken radio don't involve safety and will not warrant enough of a problem that going into a garage is required. However, setbacks with brakes, lights and other parts that are vital to the safety of your car's driver and passengers, as well as others on the road, necessitate quick fixes. Many modern automobiles will notify drivers of an issue, in the form of a signal on the dashboard or a noise within the vehicle.

In the event of an accident, even if your vehicle does not appear to have any damage on the outside, it is generally recommended that you see a trusted auto repair professional. Internal damage may have occurred, or an important part may have been knocked out of place. Fixing these issues before driving much further can prevent further vehicle breakdowns in the future. In the case of a serious accident, a body shop can assess the problems and determine the best course of action for repairs, as well as evaluate how much they will cost.

Beyond that, regular checkups are recommended. Tires must be rotated, fluids needs to be replaced and the engine must be evaluated. After driving 25,000 miles, most auto dealers suggest having the vehicle checked out to ensure everything is running smoothly. Taking the car into the auto repair professional you trust will protect you from further problems down the road.

Doing Your Own Auto Repair

Not every type of auto repair work needs to be done by a certified mechanic. You can fix some of a vehicle's issues just by paying attention to how the automobile is running and having a basic understanding of auto repair. Look over the ways weather may impact your car and what preventative measures you can take to avoid having to take it into the shop. At the same time, be aware of mechanic scams that can impact your experience.

Preventing Trips To The Professional
Some fixes to your car can be done without paying a specialist. Issues like replacing oil and air filters are relatively simple, with instructions provided in the owner's manual on how to make these changes. The same goes for replacing broken windshield wipers or burnt-out headlights. Such issues should be repaired quickly to guarantee safety, but don't require a visit to a garage. By handling these types of tasks on your own, you'll gain a better understanding for how your car operates and save time and money.

Along with understanding how to fix manageable vehicle issues that may arise, taking preventative measures to avoid future problems is a valuable time saver. Many problem-solving best practices are related to the seasons. Your vehicle will be in different conditions in the winter than in the summer, meaning it requires a different type of preparation.

In the spring and summer, you want to be sure your air conditioner and cooling systems work correctly. Given the high temperatures the vehicle will be exposed to, overheating is a common problem. Look over the system by ensuring there is enough coolant available. If it needs to be refilled, it is best to open the hood and add more to the car before it gets too warm out. Also, clean out fan ducts and other ventilation sources necessary for summertime driving.

For winter driving, features such as the defroster, heater and exhaust system are paramount. Look in your owner's manual for specific directions on how features should be checked and repaired. Many newer cars have a cabin air filter that can be replaced when needed, allowing warm air to continue to flow in. Also, check your tires before winter driving, as they need to be at the proper pressure to perform well on snow and ice.

Avoiding Scams
There is a common worry among many people that auto repair professionals take advantage of the general public. Because so many people are unaware of how to fix the problems in their vehicle, they are nervous of being overcharged by mechanics or worried that the improper work is being done.

While the great majority of professionals in the industry are honest, hard-working people, a few bad apples can ruin everything. You should be extra careful when first visiting a mechanic to guarantee that the price you're charged and maintenance the vehicle receives are fair.

Among the common scams pulled are needless repairs, where a garage charges you for work that isn't necessary. Another popular one is attracting customers through a cheap oil change or tire pressure check. Then, when you are in the shop and your car is being repaired, they give you a long list of other corrections they'd like to make, therefore boosting the total cost of your bill.

The best way to combat these types of problems is getting a written estimate before work is done. That way, you can see how much repairs are expected to cost. If the final bill is higher than the estimate projected, ask to specifically see the work. Make sure information is put in writing as well. If a problem remains, you can have proof that work was not done to your satisfaction.

By working closely with an auto repair professional and doing some of the tune-up work on your own, you will be less likely to fall for these scams. At the same time, you'll be able to drive out with a clean and healthy vehicle, thanks to the repairs made by a trained professional.